The PALS repeater system (144.330/444.050) offers a 24/7 Echolink connection which is open to all Amateur Radio operators.The WX9PIA Echolink node number is 629244. There is nothing special or restrictive about Echolink on the repeater but here are a few tips.

  • To bring up a connection to another repeater, a link radio, or just a user, simply key your mic and enter the node number of the station you are trying to connect to. If it’s on the Echolink network, you will hear the repeater say “connected to…” the station you are trying to connect to.

  • To disconnect an Echolink connection, key your mic and press the “#” key on your number pad. That will disconnect the current Echolonk connection.

  • To check which stations are currently connected to the repeater’s Echolink, press “08” and it will tell you which stations are currently connected to Echolink.

  • To connect to a random REPEATER, key your mic and press “00.” The repeater will connect you to a random repeater on the network.

  • To connect to a random LINK-L station, key you mic and press “01.” The repeater will connect you to a random link station on the network.

  • To connect to a random USER station, key you mic and press “03.” The repeater will connect you to a random user station on the network.

  • There are a few stations set up as station shortcuts that you may use as well. This way you don’t have to type in the echolink numbers all the time to connect. Remember to include the star (*) before the number. It is part of the short cut link number. They are as follows:   

      *255 – Short cut to the K9WRA-R 147.255 MHz Repeater in Metamora, IL

      *700 – Short cut to the WB9UUS-R 442.700 MHz Repeater in Bloomington, IL

      *940 – Short cut to the W9AZ-R 146.940 MHz Repeater in Kankakee, IL

      *760 – Short cut to the K9CU-R 146.760 MHz Repeater in Champaign, IL

      *464 – Short cut to the Gritz N’ Gravy Conference. USA Nationwide (464 are the numbers that correlate to the letters G, N, G on the keypad)

  • Always remember to disconnect your Echolonk connection after your conversation. This is done by keying your mic and pressing the “#” key on your microphone keypad.

  • And just one more note, when making an Echolink connection, please remember to identify yourself with your call sign. Maybe say something like “This is (your call here) accessing Echolink” or whatever you come up with as long as your call sign is in there. Randomly punching in node numbers without identifying is strongly discouraged. Thanks for your help!  🙂

  • Have fun with it and let us know if you have any issues or questions. wx9pia@gmail.com.

  • 73! from the PALS Repeater Group!